Wednesday 1st April 1942

When I first got up this morning it was rather cool, but later in the day it turned out a scorcher. After the 09.00hrs parade, I went along to the dry canteen and replenished my stock of apples, oranges, chocolate and cigarettes. I am not keen on chocolate, but I do eat the dark chocolate when I am feeling hungry. We can buy biscuits, but I do not like them. I do not like anything sweet, cakes, puddings, sweet biscuits or toffee's. In the shop the sailor behind the counter asked me how many cigarettes did I want, it takes some getting used to, that there is no shortage here. What a difference to back home in England during this war, the shopkeepers made out they were doing you a favour when they sold you a packet, some of them would only sell you half a packet, of course I realise they are rationed and have to make the few they get go round all their customers. I wish I could send some home to my father, but we are not allowed, to send parcels. This afternoon I had a laugh with some of the lads, Dring, Murrell, Finch and Carvel, I say lads, to me they seem rather old, in George Jordan's age group, in their thirty's. Carvel was telling us about his job, when he worked for a undertaker in London. The stories were to numerous to write down in this my journal. But one thing that did make us laugh, and Dickie Finch kept egging him to repeat time and time again, Carvel would put on his normal smiling face, with a great big grin, then he would run his hand over and put his undertakers solemn face on, he had the face to fit the occasion. This evening I had my hair cut, before going for my hot bath.

Thursday 2nd April 1942

Clear sky and bright sunshine all day, very warm. We spend as much time as possible in the fresh air on deck, but we have to take care, we don't want to get sunburnt too quickly. Ten days out from England, and the food on this ship is still very good. However we are all like Oliver!! We would like a little more, Woody at breakfast this morning said, Youngie would like a lot more, a plate of ham and half a dozen eggs would last him till dinner. Frank Jeffries said he could just eat half a pig and a dozen eggs. Vick Garlinch piped up "we know, you are a greedy Pig". I make do with my fruit and sometime a little dark chocolate, to last me until our dinner. Our morning parade is mainly for passing on information about various things, including war news. Of course we do a lot of chin wagging among ourselves. This morning it was Woody, ( Arthur Woodcock ) Russ, ( Russell Youngman ) Snatch, ( Bloomfield ). Snatch is a radio mechanic, his home is in London, before the war he was a photographer. Lumie (Lumb) another radio mechanic, he is a long lanky lad. Making up our circle this morning was Cpl., Faulkner another gun-fitter, he was telling us about his job before he joined the army. He worked for Rolls-Royce, his apprenticeship for the job had been long and hard work, with frequent progression tests. One of his tests had been to make a gear box by hand. He is not very young, maybe late twenties or early thirties, he has a very clear skin, unblemished, smooth like a babies bum! We started kidding him about it, he only laughed and said, you could all have a skin like mine if you stop using soap, just use water and periodically rub your skin with olive oil. His mother taught him to wash like that when he was very young and it became a habit. On occasions, when he has got very dirty he uses a little soap, but always rinsed very well after. This mainly referred to his face, he often used soap on his hands, again he always rinses very well..

After our evening meal I went for a long walk, that is as far as you can walk on a ship. I met up with Eric Taylor and Ted Hampson, we talked about home and of course Ted talked about his band in London. At the first opportunity Eric and I changed the subject when we saw some porpoises swimming alongside the ship.

Good Friday 3rd April 1942

I am writing my journal this warm clammy evening in the cabin. It's been a quiet uneventful day. The weather warm, sky cloudy, sea boisterous. This afternoon some of us sat around discussing recent war news. In particular the daring raid which was carried out in the early hours of the 28th March by a combined naval force and army commandos against the dry dock and harbour installations at St Nazaire, seriously hampering German naval operations from the port. The same night, the port at Luebeck north of Hamburg was heavily bombed by the R.A.F.

Since the capture of Rangoon the capital of Burma in early March, the Japanese forces have continued advancing, yesterday they had reached Prome, our troops are having to withdraw. .

Saturday 4th April 194

Very hot, sunshine all day, not even a breeze. The sea has been like a duck pond. Everyone has been lazing about. George and I went to the swimming pool, but there was no chance of getting in, it was absolutely full. Talk about standing room only, certainly there was no way anyone could swim in there. None of our unit were in, it was occupied by the R.A.

War News:- British forces in Burma withdrew northward along the Irrawaddy under heavy attack from Japanese aircraft.

Sunday 5th April 1942

Hot and sunny all day. Hot in the shade, burning in the sun. The convoy is 13 days out from England and this morning we were told it had expected to reach Freetown in Africa to-day. However this evening we are still steaming on and there is no land in sight. The C.S.M. did say we would not be allowed ashore in Freetown.

War News: On Friday 3rd April, Japanese aircraft bombed Mandalay, the heaviest air raid on Burma in the.

Monday 6th April 1942

Fourteen days out from England. At 08.00 hrs, we were told the convoy is approaching the African coast, although we were not in sight of land at the time. Two small ships came out to meet us, at this point the ships took up positions in two parallel lines. It made a grand sight, to see so many ships in two lines advancing. About 09.30 hrs., we sighted land and what a spectacular sight, the mountains, seemed to disappear into the clouds, we could not see the tops of some, they were hidden by the mist. The ships anchored in Freetown's natural bay, which is huge and can accommodate a considerable number of ships. Not long after the anchor was dropped, the ship was besieged by small boat's, loaded with fruit for sale. The men in the boat's threw ropes up to the deck, with a basket attached, the line's were then passed round the ships rail enabling the fruit to be pulled up and money sent down. There were also young boys in their boat's asking the soldiers to throw money into the sea and they would dive in and retrieve it, when they came out of the water they would hold the coin up to show they had been successful. We had a lecture this morning about malaria precautions we must take while we are anchored here. Everyone was issued with anti-mosquito ointment, it looks a rather greasy preparation. This afternoon with the ship at anchor, it was terrifically hot. Everyone that can spends there time on deck in the shade, because it is sweltering below. Bill Kennedy came up for a smoke when he finished work, he looked like a over-ripe tomato, Bert Gladdon said you look rather warm, William. The swear words that came out Bill's mouth cannot be repeated, and he did not even take the cigarette out of his mouth. Whenever you see Bill Kennedy away from the mess, he has always got a cigarette dangling from the corner of his mouth. At dusk some of us decided we would try out the anti-mossie concoction, putting it on our hands face and neck. Very soon beads of sweat were rolling off us. It was most uncomfortable and I doubt if we will be trying it again.

Tuesday 7th April 1942

Anchored in the harbour Freetown, West Africa. It has been very hot again, all day. We are probably noticing it more, only being away from home a short time and there it was very cold, with ice on the roads, when we left Glasgow. The natives have been around the ships in their small boats, trying to sell their fruit. We have been told, we must not buy from them for hygiene reasons. They were also to be discouraged because of the possibility of sabotage. The natives in their peculiar craft, which looks like a hollowed out tree, (our ships crew called them bumboats.) were able to converse in fairly good English. The Military Police, told them to move away from the ships. This they were reluctant to do. Eventually the police got fed up and got the hose pipes out. Even then they did not go far away and kept coming back when the M.P's moved away. During the day we saw a shark, that is a shark fin approaching one of the small boats. The native did not seem to bother, he just kept his eye on it, until it went away.

Wednesday 8th April 1942

In the harbour at Freetown. We find it very hot in the cabin's when we wake first thing in the morning even though we sleep on the bunks, no blankets and only wear under pants and vest. There are air blowers in the cabin, that are left on all the time. This morning we attended a lecture on the "Bren Gun" This was to make sure we are all fully familiar with the weapon. In the afternoon we had a lecture on India and the various customs, religions and caste system. This is possibly an indication to our immediate destination. Most of our men including myself, thought we were on the way to Burma. Although there has been a strong rumour on the ship that we are on the way to invade Madagascar. This is a very large convoy and I don't think a force like this would be needed to take the island. Listening to the recent war news, the Japanese are advancing rapidly in Burma, it looks as if they will capture the country before we get there. The betting now is we will be going to India, to stop the Japanese invading that Country.

War news from the Mediterranean:- yesterday there was another very heavy air raid on Malta by the German and Italian bomber

Thursday 9th April 1942

We are still sweating it out in the harbour at Freetown. Some of the ships have been taking on supplies during the day. Most of the chaps have been walking around in vest and shorts. There is one exception, Geoffrey Herne, he is still wearing a shirt and his topee looks too big and covers part of his face. he does not look too hot and when I asked him if the heat was affecting him, he said "It is a bit warm" but really he does not look bothered with the heart. We have all been told we must wear our topee's when out in the sun. When we went in the dinning room for our midday meal everyone was going on about the heat. Some of the chaps are affected worse than others. When you look at Dennis Quinn, he always seems to be pushing his glasses back on his nose, then he sweats and they slide down again. We had a lecture today, how to avoid heat stroke etc, and the importance of hygiene in the tropics.

Friday 10th April 1942

Still in harbour sweating it out. Some of the lads were talking at lunch time today, we are finding it hot and uncomfortable in the ship off the coast. What must it be like in Freetown itself. Vick Garlinch said he's heard it called "The White Man's Grave". George Hedley who was in the army during peace time said soldiers only served their for six months. Everyone agreed they would not be interested to visit the town. Frank Cribb said, "the sooner we are on the way again, will please me, I like to feel the breeze in my hair" Frank has a large bald head. This evening we had a concert on the ship. It made quite a change and everyone seemed to enjoy it.

Saturday 11th April 1942

A Change in the weather this morning, no sun, still very hot, cloudy and muggy. We were all very pleased at 12:00 hrs when the ship started to move out of the harbour into the open sea. Very soon we were cruising along in convoy. On the open deck there was a breeze, although warm, it was more comfortable than being at anchor.

War News:- More unwelcome war news from Batan. On the 9th April, the American resistance which had lasted for four months was ended. The American defence forces on the peninsula were defeated by Japanese forces.

Sunday 12th April 1942

Weather similar to yesterday, hot muggy and cloudy. We had a church service out in the open this morning. This afternoon there was another lecture on India. The different people and religions, also their caste system. A type of social rank. Some of the lads were joking with Bill Kennedy this evening, Carvel said, " Bill if we go to India, you will have to put a little red spot on your forehead, and they will think you are a high caste, gentleman" Vick Garlinch , piped up, "and when you open your big mouth, they will know you are a rank outside caste"

War News, I should write more bad news. On the 9th April, A large Japanese bomber force with fighter escorts, bombed the British naval base at Trincomalee, Ceylon. Our cruisers, Dorsetshire, Cornwall and the aircraft carrier Hermes had put to sea, but were located offshore and subjected to an intense bombing attack and sunk. A large proportion of their crews have been picked up.

 

Monday 13th April 1942

Very cloudy this morning, hot and muggy again. The movement of the ship makes it bearable. We were told this morning that the ship had crossed the equator during the night. When it is hot and muggy like today, I take a cold bath before going in for lunch, it refreshes and make me feel more comfortable when I go for my meal. When I walked into the dining room, there was Bill Kennedy standing by our table looking like a wet rag with a face like a red tomato. He was in top form, grumbling as usual using all the swear words. Seeing me approach, he said "look, another one looking cool and refreshed" I said yes, I've just had a nice cold bath, you want to try one sometimes. Just then Les Chilcott said, "and while you are having a cold bath, give your big mouth a hot bath". This did not put Bill off he said "You lot don't know what B,F!! heat is like, come and work with me in the B,F!! galley and see how you like it. Grey another general duty man said "he has a point there, it is very hot in the galley". John Casey said "there is no one stopping him having a cold bath, to cool down. The lads are always kidding John (Some of the boy's call him Jack) Casey, about him being a spiv. Lummie said "John, why don't you apply for a job as a bath attendant, you would be able to change everyone for their cold bath". I don't know if he heard him - but he did not reply, probably treating the remark with contempt. John Casey is a radio mechanic, his home is in Cheetham Hill, Manchester. This a Jewish area of Manchester and John looks Jewish, but he tells everyone he is not, and that he is a catholic.

Tuesday 14th April 1942

Dark clouds early this morning and heavy rain after breakfast. This afternoon the sun came out and it was very hot. Bill Lloyd came to our cabin this afternoon to tell us there were not many in the swimming pool, so George and I went along with him and a few others from our unit. It made quite a change although the pool is not very big it is deep, all right for diving. Of course it is filled with filtered sea water. We had a good time, diving for objects off the bottom.

Wednesday 15th April 1942

Nice and fresh this morning, warm with a very strong wind which lasted all day. This morning Bill Lloyd and Harry Stout came to say the swimming pool was deserted. Bill said the wind had frightened the RA's away. George and I went with them. Bill is a very good swimmer he was showing us fast speed strokes. Before the war he had entered a few swimming galas. In the afternoon we attended a lecture and did some map reading. We have been told our next port of call will be Cape Town, where we will be able to post letters home. This evening I sat down and wrote a long letter to my Mam and Dad. I wish I could send my Dad some Cigarettes!.

War News on 13th April, The Japanese occupied Migyaungwe on the Irrawaddy river.

Thursday 16th April 1942

Very strong wind blowing again this morning. It is certainly nice and fresh up on deck. George said this gets rid of the cobweb's. This afternoon we attended a lecture on booby-trap's. After our evening meal I went along to the canteen to replenish my stocks, fruit and cigarette's etc, in the canteen I met an old family friend, Stanley Gregory. I certainly did not know he was on the ship or even in the army. His father works with my father, at the railway's goods depot in London Road, Manchester. They both work on night duty. My Dad will get a surprise when I write and tell him. Stanley took me to see where their unit are on the ship. It was a few decks down, and they look awfully crowded, they sleep in hammock's. I thank goodness I am not in the Royal Artillery.

Friday 17th April 1942

Weather much cooler today. We went swimming this morning and practically had the pool to ourselves. We told Bill Kennedy he should come with us and cool off, he said "not F'in likely, I can't swim". He did not mention the hot galley, If he went for a cold bath he would not have anything to grumble about. This afternoon we went to an inter-company boxing tournament. This evening there was a Tug-of-war, our section was pulling against the RA's.

Saturday 18th April 1942

The weather seems much cooler this morning. The sea air smells good and fresh after the muggy atmosphere around the equator. I wrote more letters home, they will be posted to Manchester from Cape Town. We have been told that we are getting shore leave when we get there. Town maps have been put up on the notice boards showing places of amusements and where to eat etc, we have been told to hand in the money we want exchanging into South African currency.

War News: More bad news from Burma, due to continued Japanese pressure, on the 16th April our troops had to retire north of Magwe, destroying the Yenang - Yaung oil wells, to prevent them falling into enemy hands.

Sunday 19th April 1942

We have been on this ship a month today and I am still getting to know the chaps in this unit. I was talking to Reg Timpson, he is a welder and his home is in London. Purslow we all call him Jock his home is in Dundee. Also in the group was Dring and Murrell two of the old boys, that is they seem old to me. They must be in their thirty's. They are all great and get on very well together. Dring said he is feeling a bit cold and will have to put his woollen underwear on, Perslow who has a dry sense of humour, said you'll have to eat more porridge in the morning.

Monday 20th April 1942

Nothing much doing today, the lads are all looking forward to shore leave in South Africa, that is the topic of conversation at the moment. There has not been much war news to talk about. Last Friday 17th April, the R.A.F. bombed a German works at Augsburg where diesel engines for the U-boats and tanks are made. The daylight raid was successful, considerable damage was done to the works. We are all very interested in news from Burma as we are steaming in that direction, and the news is the Japanese are still advancing.

Tuesday 21st April 1942

Today we are ten days out from Freetown. The weather is rather cold and cloudy. We have been told to get our battledress out and ready to wear in Cape Town. I understand the climate is much the same as England at this time of year, maybe not quite as cold. This afternoon I was going up on deck. As I went through the doorway one chap was saying to another "Watch it chum or I'll slit your gizzard". He was not looking where he was going and bumped into me! When he turned around he had a grim look on his face, and he looked a tough customer. I said "You look out chum, or I'll put my clog in your gob!" At this he started laughing and said "I'm not saying it to you, I saw you fight O'Shea." It turned out he is a general duties man from our unit, his name is Hugh Neill and he comes from Waring Town in Northern Ireland. Everyone calls him Paddy. He has been working while we have been on this ship, that is why I have not seen much of him. We had quite a long talk, seemingly he volunteered for the army, when war broke out. He was in France and was evacuated from Dunkirk. He also served with the rebels during the Spanish Civil war. In his own county he's had a few encounters with the I.R.A. He is a rather tough character, a good mate to have on your side when there is trouble.

Wednesday 22nd April 1942

Cold again this morning on deck, the sun came out later. We put our battle dress on today, this made us feel more comfortable. After lunch we got our South African Money. During our evening meal everyone was talking about where they are going when we reach Cape Town. The lads have been studying maps. The most popular is either a pint of beer or the cinema. We should reach Cape Town sometime tomorrow according to the ship crew.

 

Thursday 23rd April 1942

Early this morning when we went on deck, land was in sight, in the distance was our first view of Cape Town. Table Mountain stood out against a clear blue sky. As we got nearer it was a beautiful sight when the Sun rose over the Mountain's in a almost clear blue sky. The ship arrived at the dock side at 13.00 hrs. It was late afternoon when we got our passes to go ashore, just before tea-time. George, John and I decided we would have our meal first, then go and have a look round the town. Going down the gangway felt good, at the bottom we would be on terra firma after spending a month on the ship. The dock area was much the same as any dock's in England. The smell of the salty sea, oil and tar, then there is the ships litter laying around, ropes, old rusty chains, oil drums and numerous packing cases. Then there is what is call the docks furniture, the railway lines, capstans and hundreds of bollards. In the town we soon found a Bar to try the beer and we soon found out that the brew was not to our liking, so we tried the lager, it was quite palatable. After one glass George and I said we would like to move on, our idea was to see as much of the town as possible, after all we may not pass this way again. John also said he liked to explore new places. We had a long walk, looking at the buildings and mainly the shops, comparing the prices with those at home. In one road we found a Sweets and Tobacconist shop, we were nearly out of cigarettes so we went. in. The shop, was very like our shops in Manchester. At the back of the counter there was a large glass case with chocolate's in, one of the stacks was large blocks of Brazil Nut Chocolate, this is the only type of chocolate, I really like. They stock all kinds of cigarettes, sweets and chocolate. I said to the man behind the counter, people at home have not seen a shop stocked like yours since 1939, before the war started. We bought our cigarettes and I bought a block of Brazil Nut, then carried on walking. During the past few years we have got used to the black-out in England, here in South Africa the street lights are on, all the shop windows are lit up, the house's have their lights showing, this made it enjoyable for us to just walk along, and look. When we mention food, and clothes rationing, to the people here, I don't think they really understand what it like to be rationed over a long period, not having experienced it them selves.

On our walk, we have not gone very far without meeting other soldiers, there must be thousands in Cape Town tonight. By this time we were feeling peckish and started to look for some where to eat, but all the restaurants were full, mainly with service men. We decided to go and see a film instead, maybe we would find a cafe later. We met some white people and asked them if they could tell us where there was a Cinema. They gave us directions, then asked if we had been for a meal. We told them the cafe's we had found were either closed or full, with customers waiting. They said you have no need to go to a cafe, come along with us. They took us along to what I imagine was their Social Club. Inside it was like a large dance hall, with tables all round the floor, on the stage at the far end, a Dance Band was playing all the latest dance music. On the polished floor quite a number of couples were dancing. At the tables people were being served with meals, the majority, were service men. We were invited to sit down at one of the tables, a lady brought us orange drinks and said supper would be along very soon. Within a few minutes, two more ladies arrived with large plates full of meat and vegetables, we could have more if we wanted. After the main meal, they gave us fruit and coffee. When we asked how much we had to pay, they said nothing, the meals are free for the troops. One of the ladies told us it was a goodwill gesture by the people of South Africa for the service men to show their appreciation for what we are fighting for. George said its a soldiers dream, to have a really good feed and nothing to pay. We were invited to stay and dance, but none of us are dancers, however we stayed a while and listened to the music. Then we thanked the ladies and went on our way, looking round the town. One thing I must say about this town, all the people I have met, have been helpful, whites and blacks. Eventually we found a picture house, we went in getting our money ready to pay, but could not find a pay box!! The film had not started so we went in and found seats and sat down. Everyone was drinking tea, coffee or lemonade etc., we ordered. I had a very nice cup of tea while we watched the film. On our way back to the ship we found an American cafe on wheels, selling hot dogs etc. I had a couple of eggs on a role. Then I bought a dozen apples to eat while walking back. There were crowds of servicemen heading back to the docks, making it easy to find our way.

 

Friday 24th April 1942

We expected going ashore again today, but were surprised after breakfast, we were told to pack all our kit we are getting off the ship. With our full packs and kit-bag we marched off down the gangway along the quay to a train that was already waiting on the dock side. It was not long before the train moved off, through some main streets of Cape Town and then out into the country. The journey was not long. Just over thirty minutes, when the train stopped in a small station named 'Retreat'. From there we marched three miles with full kit on, to a transit camp called; 'Polsmore'. It is a massive camp. One of the regular staff told us thousands of troops arrive and depart from here daily. The first thing we noticed was the rows and rows of Bell Tents. Our unit was allocated tents in one of the rows. We were issued with blankets and a palliasse. There was a heap of straw to fill the palliasse, we did not use the straw the ground is soft and sandy and we have our ground sheets. We were getting settled when in came Bert Roberts. He said if you want a good laugh go and have a look at the latrines!! From his directions we found a large area surrounded by sacking cloth, about five feet high. It was thin and you could practically see through into the enclosure. It was so big there were many entrances to get in. We were certainly not prepared for the sight that met us inside! There were rows and rows of boxes, with round holes in the middle for you to sit on. There was no cover over the top (only the sky) or between each man. Two of the R.A.'s were sat side by side in conversation while leaving their deposits! A number of the men were sat reading news papers, which they had probably brought to wipe their bottoms on. What a sight; rows of bare bums sat in the sun! There were quite a lot of civilian workers in this camp. Both black and white men. The black people speak good English as well as their own language. They are very pleasant people and helpful. Our evening meal was meat and salad with brown cobs, best butter and tea. We could have as much as we wanted. The butter was smashing. The best I have had for a long time. We finished off with fruit. The black chap who was serving kept giving me apples. I had about six, and I took some back to the tent with me. This evening we were told we would not be allowed out. We would not have time to get anywhere. There is nothing near here only rough grassland around Polesmore Camp. The nearest village is Retreat where there are only a few huts and the railway station. George, Bill Lloyd and I, decided we would have a walk around the camp. We finished up in the canteen having supper. I bought some grapes to eat going back to the tent, 2d per pound!

Saturday 25th April 1942

George, John and I left the camp about 13.30 hrs. The weather was beautiful, warm and the sun was shining, ideal for walking. We went miles into the country and were just nearing a small village when a car stopped near us. A woman was driving, and sat next to her was a Royal Air Force chap. (Like all Brylcreem boys he smelt like a big girls blouse, I understand the R.A.F, have a odour inspection before they are allowed out, they use sniffer dogs). The lady asked us if we would like to go for a drive with them and have a good look around South Africa. We were pleased to do so and got in the car. She took us through the country side, then up into the hills the views were really beautiful. Eventually she took a road that wound it way round and down along the coast, through some villages near the sea. Many of the different beaches we saw were very picturesque with long stretches of clean sands. There were some that was not very nice. The young lady, I would say she was in her late twenties told us her name was Jackie ( This was the first time I had heard of a girl called by that name) In the afternoon about 16.30 hrs she took us for tea, to a place that looked like a large cafe. There were long low tables crammed with plates of food. We were given a plate and told to go around and help ourselves to anything we fancied. I looked around all the tables, then put my plate down. The lady serving tea said what is the matter don't you want anything to eat? I said no thank you, I do not eat sweets! She said; I am sorry our afternoon tea is all sweets. On the table was every kind of cake and biscuit you could mention. There were slices of malt loaf with currants in and slices of sweet bread with fruit in and icing sugar on top. I had a cup of tea and was glad to get out of there! I do not like the smell of sweets. Even George who likes sweets, said it was a bit too much, he would have liked a sandwich. One of the civilian men sat near us was asking us where we had been on our afternoon drive, when we told him about our visit to the beaches, he said if you get the chance, you want to go and see Muizenburg. The beach is very nice and the town quite big, with shops, restaurants, hotels, cinemas and a theatre. Shortly after my cup of tea, Jackie said she must be on her way home, could she drop us any ware? We said if it was not out of her way, would she drop on the road to our camp. She left us on the main road to Polsmore, we thanked her for our afternoon out, and started walking. We had not gone more than 50 yards, when another car pulled up, driven by a rather pleasant old gentleman. He asked where we would like to go, John said we have heard about a sea-side resort called Muizenberg we would like to see, is it far? The old chap said not very, get in and I will take you. He left us on what I would say, was the Promenade. It certainly is a very nice little town, plenty of shops cafe's and we saw two cinemas as we came along the road. The sandy beach looks smashing, with the waves rolling in. We sat for a while on shore, there were not a lot of people about, and those that were there were beginning to drift, probably going for their evening meal. By this time we were feeling rather hungry, we went and found a restaurant. I ordered steak, chips and two eggs, George said I'll have the same, John chipped in and said make it three. The meal was cooked very nice and went down well, with bread butter and two cups of tea. From there we went and booked three seats at a Cinema. The show did not start for a while, so we went and found a Bar and had a couple of glasses of beer  each then went in to see the film. The Picture Palace, as it is called was not very full, I think we were the only soldiers in the place. In fact we have not seen many people in Muizenburg, and very few servicemen, maybe the lads from the camp have not found the town yet. Going back to camp, we were lucky again, some people stopped and asked if we wanted a lift. They took us right back to the camp.

War news. While we were having our drink at the Hotel, the barman told us that the Germans bombed Exeter yesterday, damaging ancient buildings and churches, including the cathedral. Why? there are no works or military targets in that town

Sunday 26th April 1942

The community latrines are very busy this morning, they are like a open air reading room at a library, A lot of the lads have the runs, probably due to all the fruit and rich food they have been given and with some maybe too much beer. There is a buzz of excitement in the camp this morning. Everyone wanting to tell of their exploits yesterday. The majority of them went into Cape Town and most met up with friendly people, nearly all had free meals. While talking to Bill Lloyd, we heard laughter coming from a nearby tent. Lumie came out, seeing us he said, come and see Bill Kennedy, he has a date and is spit and polishing. Bill always looked clean, but today he looked as if he had been scrubbed. The boot he had in his hand was shining but he still went on polishing. Bill Lloyd asked him who he had a date with, Kennedy's face seemed to light up, I have never seen him look so pleased. Without any swear words, he said, I have got a date with a smashing bit of young stuff, she is picking me up at the gate at 12.0 noon and taking me home for dinner. Woody said, yes!! and I bet her mother is coming along as escort. Russell said, I bet she is a blackie who does not understand his swear words. Just then, Jock Furgie came along, he said, Bill I am sure your girl would not mind you taking a friend along. To that Bill replied, I could not take you, she would not be able to understand your Scottish brogue. Unusual for Bill he took all the joking in good humour. When he was ready, before starting for the gate, he turned round and said, the trouble with you lot you are all jealous, and off he went. Lumie said this I must see! He and Purslow followed Bill at a distance to the gate. When they came back both were roaring laughing. Woody asked them why they were laughing and what she was like? Purslow said, "she looked very nice, young, rather plumpish, and I think she has two water-melons up her jumper". Lumie said, "together they looked like two people you see on picture postcards at the sea side. A large woman with a big round face and a small, thin insignificant looking little man, thin faced with a cigarette dangling from the corner of his mouth! That was Bill and his bit of fluff". Purslow said, the best was still to come and the reason for all the laughter. Just after Bill got into the big posh car, three RA's went out through the gate and the girls mother called them to her, after a few words, they piled into the back, pushing poor Bill into a corner. His face was a picture of discontent as the car drove away. Fergie said I told him he could take a friend along, the people he met, they are just friendly South Africans who will take any soldier for a meal.

After our Sunday dinner, a few of us went a walk the camp, it covers a large area, there is not much to see, it is mainly scrub land and the buildings are rather roughly made. The whole place seems to have been a rush job, to accommodate as many soldiers as possible, using local materials, like unseasoned wood. However the camp is serving its purpose, and is very full right now. After our ramble around we went into the canteen for a drink, a lot of the lads, including George are still complaining of stomach upset. They said they would sooner go and have a lay down, than go out. Bill Lloyd was feeling OK, he asked me if I would go with him to Muizenburg.

We walked along the road hoping for a lift, unfortunately there was no traffic about. At the railway station we enquired about a train and was told there would be one along in ten minutes. The journey did not take long on these fast trains. We went a walk round, it was sunny warm and very pleasant but there were not many people about. Near tea time, we met a couple who directed us to a place on the sea-front, where they gave a free meal, (no sweets). In the evening we went to, The Tower Hotel for late dinner. After the meal which we paid for, all guests started singing hymns. The South African people seem rather religious. I cannot sing and Bill was not keen, so the first chance we got we excused ourselves and left. From there we went to a variety show, which was very good. The show finished late, so we made our way back to the station, just in time to catch a train to camp.

 

Monday 27th April 1942

The ablutions here are very basic and have canvas round in parts like the toilets. It is a rather hectic place in the morning, some trying to wash, others trying to shave and one or two trying to have a shower under a tap, they finish up with muddy feet, the ground is inches deep in water. I went into the toilets, it is standing room only, if you want a sit down you have to get in queue this morning, and it is advisable to take your gas-mask. In the tent lines the lads were all talking about where they are going to-day, Cape Town seems to be the popular choice, it is a large town and there is plenty of places of entertainment. There is one big draw back, it is not big enough for the number of service personnel who are here just now. Most of the places you have to queue for ages to get in. A few of the lads said they are going o the Salvation Army, they say the food is good. I thought of going with them, but Geoffrey Herne said they sing hymns every night, that put me off. Ted Hampson said there is a good film on at one of the picture houses, Down Argentine Way, with Betty Grable and Don something. I have already seen it, Ted said so have I, but I am going again. Bill Lloyd said come with us. Bill and some of the boys had been told about another sea side resort called Wynberg, that was supposed to be very nice. We set off walking down the road, very soon a truck driver stopped and gave us a lift, all the way to Wynberg. It was a very nice little place, smaller than Muizenburg, rather quiet and not much in the way of entertainment. We had a walk round, but did not see many people. There was a nice restaurant, where we had tea. After the meal we decided to get on a train and go to Muizenburg, where we had a few lager's and went to a show. Later we had supper and then made our way back to camp by train.

Tuesday 28th April 1942

There was the usual light-hearted chatter from the tents this morning. After breakfast the C.S.M told us we are moving tomorrow. This was not entirely unexpected we all knew Polsmore camp, was only to be for a short stay but most of the men have been enjoying the free meals and good entertainment. Many of them say they would have liked a few more days here. We are not to be allowed out to-day, and are to get our clothing and equipment packed ready for morning. Some of the lads say they are not sorry to be moving from this camp. It is not very convenient in these crowded tents. We sleep on the ground and it is rather cold at night. There was not enough straw to fill our paillasses when we arrived, so we put our ground sheet down and the empty paillasse on top, then a blanket and three blankets over us our kitbag is the pillow. The ground is a grey coloured, sharp type of sand, with tufts of rough grass growing here and there.

Wednesday 29th April 1942

After our midday meal we marched from the camp to Retreat Railway Station, where a train was waiting to take us to the docks in Cape Town. Arriving there at 16.00 hrs it was only a short walk across the quay to the troop-ship which was taking us on the next stage of our journey. The SS Mauretania was very large and impressive. As we went up the gangway one of the ships crew gave us a ticket with our cabin number. Like the Orion, the Mauretania, a luxury liner in peace time, had been converted to carry troops. Our unit are in cabins on one of the upper decks which had been first class cabins. The beds have been taken out and in there place had been fitted bunk-beds. Six men have been allocated to each cabin. I share a cabin with Jim Webster, George Jordan, Bert Roberts, Bill Lloyd and Harry Coe. We had hardly got settled, when at 18.00 hrs the ship sailed, unescorted. Very soon there was no land in sight, the ship is going very fast.

Thursday 30th April 1942

When we went on deck this morning all the lads remarked, how strange it was, we had got used to seeing all the other ships round us, when we were in the convoy, now we are all on our lonesome. Smudger said he hoped there are no submarines about! Dickie Ball said, I flaming well hope not!! there are sharks in the sea round Africa. One of the sailors heard us talking, he joined in and said there is not much chance of a submarine catching this ship she moves too fast. At one time holding the record for crossing the Atlantic. He is rather proud of the Mauretania, telling us all about the ship. It is British, its length is 762 feet breadth 88 feet and tonnage 30,696. I think he would have gone on talking about the ship all day, but one of his mates called him.

War news, between 25th and 29th April, York, Norwich and Bath were bombed by the Germans, damaging cathedral's, churches, houses and buildings of historic interest. No military objectives, it does not make sense to us, why bomb our churches? It only makes us more determined to beat them. 29th April in Burma the Japanese captured Lashio. This means the Burma Road which ran from Rangoon, through Mandalay on to Lashio, then across the Chinese border to Kunming, has now been cut. This will make it difficult to get supplies through to China.